uyghur instrument dutar

The Dutar is a long 2-stringed lute that is ubiquitous among the Uyghur. It's two silk strings are tuned a fourth or a fifth apart. There are 17 chromatic frets along the neck, and the entire instrument is about 130cm (4'3") long. It is carved from the wood of the mulberry tree, and decorated with colorful ornaments on both the front and back sides.The dutar is plucked, usually focusing on the upper string while occasionally thumbing the lower string for contrast. It commonly accompanies a singer for traditional folk music, and can also be seen taking part in a muqam. Also, it is the only instrument that has traditionally been played by Uyghur women.Walking into a home in the Uyghur region, it is almost certian that you will see a dutar hanging on a wall. It is used in the family to train young musicians, or to enjoy a song together. The songs the Uyghurs sing are very often stories of tragic love. They also speak of local histories or religious themes. Music is a very important part of Uyghur culture, as can be seen by their phenomenal muqams and the appearance of music in every part of society. The dutar is the instrument that many Uyghurs can play, allowing them to take part in their colletive histories, passing their culture from generation to generation